Tuesday, November 16, 2004

Please, Show Your Support for Archbishop Burke

It seems that Archbishop Burke has been inundated recently with letters and petitions from a number of people from St. Agatha's parish concerning its possible closing and the transfer of the Tridentine Mass to St. Francis de Sales. For the record, I too, would prefer to see St. Agatha's stay open, however, when the Archbishop renders his decision, we should abide by it. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibilities that St. Agatha may remain open. Besides sending charitable letters, one should also pray fervently.

A couple of things come to mind:
First, if anyone is complaining about what the Archbishop is doing, it would seem unlikely that he (the one complaining) possesses the vision of Archbishop Burke in this matter. As a strong promoter and defender of the Tridentine Mass, it seems that those who are accustomed to the Latin Mass should be grateful that the Archbishop is taking steps to ensure that it will be available to all who desire it, even if it may not be in the same church building.

Secondly, with Fr. Rodis getting up in years, Archbishop Burke should be supported in his efforts to be proactive in establishing priests in the diocese who will be able to fulfill the desires of the faithful with regard to the Latin Mass. Unless, there is some miraculous intervention, I don't believe Fr. Rodis is going to live forever, and he currently has some medical problems. If something were to happen to Fr. Rodis, God forbid, what would these people then do? Petition the Archbishop, perhaps?

I wish to pass on a suggestion which was made to me the other evening. This suggestion applies to all, whether or not they attend the Latin Mass, since Archbishop Burke's vision certainly goes beyond this. Please write a letter of support , a letter of encouragement, or a letter of thanks to Archbishop Burke and do it today.

As a strong defender of the faith and a faithful shepherd of the Church, he is attacked from all sides daily. Please take this moment to write a note or letter to Archbishop Burke. It could be a simple as telling him that he is in your daily prayers, or an encouragement to keep up the good work he is doing.

Let's try to mitigate any negative correspondence he has received recently for whatever reason by showing our support for him and his efforts to lead us toward Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. Assure him of your prayers for his intentions and for him personally.

Also if time permits, write letters of support and encouragement to those deacons, priests, or others whom you know to be defenders of the faith and devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Father.

His mailing address is:
Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke
Archdiocese of St. Louis
4445 Lindell Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63108


If you wish to fax your note or letter, the number is: 314-633-2302.

One last request, lest we forget - let us avail ourselves of these means of prayer for Archbishop Burke, our priests and religious, for the Holy Father, and for the Church:
Attend Daily Mass, if at all possible
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
The Holy Rosary
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Litanies
The Liturgy of the Hours

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